Madelyn Regan

Centreville High School

With a strike of the gavel, a new meeting of the continental congress commences. Welcome to Woodson High School’s production of 1776! Here in Independence Hall, a cordial meeting turns into disarray faster than one could say “yea” or “nay.”

Sherman Edwards, a history-teacher-turned-composer from New Jersey, penned the score for 1776 over the course of 10 years. Coupled with a book written by Peter Stone, the show won five Tony Awards following its successful Broadway opening in 1969. Audiences take a seat at the US continental congress as John Adams proposes an idea of epic proportions: the nation’s independence from Great Britain. Not only are the founding fathers pitted against each other, but so are the ideologies of the nation itself; who’s one to choose between the foundations of freedom and loyalty?

Spearheading the debate was Alyce Visioli as John Adams; a man with feet firmly planted in the roots of independence. Visioli bared her soul before the audience during “Is Anybody There?” a desperate plea at the hands of a cold-hearted congress. Lucas Bickford provided a juxtaposition to the stubborn Adams in the shoes of Benjamin Franklin, whose loose gait and kooky remarks offered doses of levity to Independence Hall. Silas Blocker painted a more reserved character in Thomas Jefferson, a calculated man whose eyes lit up in possession of the violin. Paired alongside Franklin and Adams, the trio ignited riveting banter over a failed drafting of the declaration.

Quite opposed to the trio’s ideals was Edward Rutledge, whose authoritative presence was exuded by Haley Kim. Her commanding vocals took the reins of “Molasses and Rum” as the ensemble fell beneath her feet, and Kim’s bone-chilling cries echoed throughout the auditorium. Equally as haunting was Aiden Brennan as the Courier, a fragile shell of a man who recounted the horrors of war with unflinching clarity. Tendrils of fog encircled the stage as these visions came to life in “Momma Look Sharp,” a poignant tribute to lives lost.

By combining 1970s punk with traditional 1770s outfits, Amalia Manow, Katy Nguyen, Anya Allensworth and the 1776 costume team brought fresh life to the founding fathers’ wardrobe. Following the theme of rebellion, each tailcoat was individually modified to fit a modern spunk that reflected the characters’ actions in the show. The uniqueness of each character was encapsulated within a series of trading cards, which were cleverly created by Ian Conner, Lauren O’Dell, Maddie Cho, and the 1776 publicity team. Each character was given a design with their own color-coded card and symbol, and with a total of 4,212 cards created by the team, they made an inventive souvenir to be sold at the ticket booth.

In a modern world riddled with disarray, Woodson High School offered a crystal-clear lens to triumphs of the past. While the fight was far from easy, the cast and crew of 1776 reminded us that, above all else, it takes unity to uphold the promises of a nation. 

Clare Shacochis

Oakton High School

The thirteen states of America unanimously declare Woodson High School’s production of 1776 to be an unforgettable show!

With music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and book by Peter Stone, 1776 debuted on Broadway in 1969. The musical garnered much acclaim, winning three Tony awards, and went on to have various stage revivals and a film adaptation. The show is set during the Second Continental Congress, as John Adams attempts to rally the congressman in favor of independence.

Leading the show as the obnoxious and disliked John Adams was Alyce Visioli. Whether Adams was responding to letters from his wife Abigail (Marissa VonAncken) or arguing with nearly every delegate, Visioli’s energy never dipped, even in serious scenes. Visioli’s portrayal was powerful as she displayed both the fierceness and sincerity of this founding father, especially during the song “Is Anybody There?”

Alongside John Adams was Benjamin Franklin, played by Lucas Bickford. Bickford complimented Visioli’s performance, adding a soft edge to Visioli’s determination. With the heart, and the limp, of Franklin, Bickford gave a brilliantly believable performance.

Leading the conservative clique was Haley Kim as Edward Rutledge. Carrying herself with a strong, showy posture, Kim commanded the stage, especially during her haunting rendition of “Molasses to Rum.”

Filling up Independence Hall were congressmen from the thirteen colonies, from nervous New Yorkers to passionate Pennsylvanians. While each character was different from the next, this ensemble worked together as a group to create chaos and stayed in character throughout the whole show.

Adding to the actors' performances was the props team, led by Nico Uy and Will Shin. Canes were given to a handful of actors, with each of them using the canes in different ways to enhance their performances. Every prop fit the setting, from bottles of rum to aged paper.

Taking inspiration from both the 1770s and the 1970s, the costume crew, led by Amalia Manow and Katy Nguyen, excelled in creating unique pieces. To differentiate between the delegates, each colony had a designated color. The Revolutionary War Era and 1970s punk band style were combined, showcasing the rebellious nature of the story. Ranging from flower-adorned knee-length coats to leather jackets, the work by the costume crew fantastically fused the eras, adding even more history to the show.

One of the most notable aspects of the show was the set, by Kelsey Loomis, Hiroko Rose, and Henry Green. Several chalkboards made up Independence Hall, decorated with doodles and graffiti, which emphasized the punk theme. The use of chalkboards helped establish the story, with the colonies being listed as for or against independence on a center board. In addition to this classroom setting, a platform housing Abigail Adams in John Adams’ imagined conversations with her, was wooden and homey, standing out from the chamber the delegates were stuck in.

Reworking the famous John Trumbull painting onstage, the company of 1776 at Woodson High School is one for the history books!